Tuesday, June 7, 2011

'I only found out I was replacing Cheryl Cole when I read the papers', admits new X Factor USA judge Nicole Scherzinger

By SARAH BULL

Last to know: Nicole Scherzinger admitted to Graham Norton that she only found out she was replacing Cheryl Cole on X Factor USA when she read the papers

The ongoing X Factor saga has kept fans riveted with constant changes in the judging panels both in the UK and Stateside.

But now Nicole Scherzinger has revealed she only found out she would be replacing Cheryl Cole on panel of the U.S. show when she read it in the newspaper.

Recording an interview on The Graham Norton Show, which airs on Friday, Nicole said: 'I haven’t said this yet, but I think it’s official that I have been made a judge. It's an amazing opportunity.

Stunning: Nicole wore a tribal-print minidress as she performed her new single on the show

'I’m kind of finding out (what’s happening) along with everyone else. It’s kind of crazy to read about it in the newspaper first.'

However, Nicole said she is looking forward to working with music mogul Simon Cowell on the programme.

She told Norton: 'He is someone you can learn a lot from. But when we are in that room it’s all about the music and the talent and I focus on the contestants, its what I am really passionate about.'

New role: It was a quick pit stop for Nicole, who begins her X Factor duties in New Jersey on Wednesday

Show bosses officially announced yesterday that Nicole will indeed be replacing Cheryl, and will start her new role at the New Jersey auditions on Wednesday.

It emerged over the weekend that Cole had been invited to return to her role after being fired a fortnight ago, but the 27-year-old has snubbed the offer, leaving the Pussycat Doll free to take her place.

Fox, FremantleMedia North America and Syco TV released a statement on Monday afternoon announcing the news.

Famous friends: Also appearing on the show were Tom Hanks and Simon Pegg

What's that you said? Nicole gasps at one of Norton's famously close-to-the-mark jokes